William II, Prince of Orange and Mary Henrietta Stuart 1650

Gerard van Honthorst painted William II, Prince of Orange, and Mary Henrietta Stuart with oil on canvas, capturing the dynastic union with all its symbolic weight. Note the star motif emblazoned on William's sash, an emblem of nobility and divine mandate. Stars have long been associated with fate, guidance, and higher powers, recurring across cultures from ancient Mesopotamian astrology to Renaissance art, often signifying spiritual illumination or destiny. Think of the star-clad Madonna, a beacon of hope in countless paintings, or the star as an attribute of kings, chosen by providence. Here, this symbol transcends mere decoration; it becomes a potent signifier of power, linking William to a lineage marked by greatness. It echoes through time, a visual mnemonic reminding us of the cyclical dance between earthly power and celestial decree.